The Model A Ford—a vehicle built by the Detroit-based company from 1928 to 1931—brings together car lovers around the country and creates community through car clubs that recognize the vehicles’ uniqueness.
The Santa Maria chapter of the Model A Ford Club was founded in 2003 on the 100th anniversary of Ford Motor Companies, and the 40-member club is celebrating 20 years with its annual car show to raise money for college scholarships, President Jay McCord said.
“We have a well-known car show that [draws] people from all over the state; we have … wonderful support from our community businesses who participate as sponsors for us,” McCord said.
This family-friendly event will allow people to check out the different models, visit craft vendors, enter a raffle for prizes, and participate in a small swap meet for vintage car parts at the Orcutt Union Plaza on Sept. 10. Although there won’t be food vendors, McCord said there are plenty of local food options within walking distance.
“Any time you put on a major event, there’s a lot of work behind the scenes. My wife and I have been working on this for about four months. It started out with a committee; as we get closer to the show, the more we involve people for parking, ticket sales, and just all the different elements to make it go. Everything is right on schedule,” McCord added.
Boy Scout Troop 91 will start the show by raising an American flag, and Makai Copado from the St. Joseph High School music program will sing the national anthem—Copado also sang the national anthem at the Mid-State Fair.
“We do everything we can to be active in the community, and we are members of the Chamber of Commerce,” McCord said. “We have about 40 member families. My family consists of myself and my wife, and we extend down to our grandkids when they want to be involved.”
All ticket sales will contribute to Allan Hancock College’s auto body and auto technology program scholarships. After the first show, the Santa Maria Model A Ford Club donated two $200 scholarships to Hancock’s industrial department. Over the years, the car club and the Allan Hancock College Foundation formed a partnership to provide student scholarships.
“This past year, we were able to contribute $13,000—[which] represented 10 $1,000 scholarships to Allan Hancock College—and then $3,000 went to the Model A Youth Restoration award,” McCord said. “Over the last 19 years we have donated over $70,000 to scholarships; we started out pretty slow but we are doing well. We do everything we can to support Hancock.”
The college extended its appreciation for the local auto club’s contrubutions.
“Hancock is thankful for the commitment and support that the Santa Maria Model A Ford Club has shown for our students for the last 20 years. As a college, we are always grateful when members of the community step up to help change the odds for our students,” Hancock Public Information Officer Chris McGuinness said in an emailed statement.
Santa Maria Model A President McCord said he hopes to continue these scholarships and the partnership with the college as Hancock also becomes a major sponsor and contributor to club events.
“We do everything we can to support Hancock. With our 10 recipients [last year], we had a barbecue with recipients and families,” McCord said. “It’s a nice, warm feeling we have between us, and they are [eager] to support us. Over the last 20 years, we’ve become a major sponsor or contributor.”
The annual car show takes place at Orcutt’s Union Plaza—201 S. Broadway—from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The swap meet starts at 7 a.m. Tickets cost $25 per person. To submit an entry application or learn more about the Santa Maria club, visit santamariamodelaclub.com.
Highlights
• U.S. grocery store brand Aldi is opening its first location in Lompoc—at 729 North H St.—and is celebrating on Sept. 1 with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. New shoppers will receive an eco-friendly bag and free goodies at the ceremony. This new location will join more than 80 other Aldi stores across Southern California and more than 2,200 stores nationwide. The Lompoc store is a part of the retailer’s expansion goal to become the nation’s third largest grocery retailer by the end of 2022.
• Qualified Lompoc Parks and Recreation program participants can now receive scholarships through a $15,000 Community Development Block Grant—which will assist 250 low-income residents involved in recreation programming. Full scholarships are offered for a limited time while funds last, and the scholarships are available to all ages. Those interested in applying to the program should fill out a one-page application and self-certify to a low-income status online at portal.neighborlysoftware.com/lompocca/participant.
Reach Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor at toconnor@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Sep 1-8, 2022.
